Pembe and Star Milling are among the eight maize meal brands whose products have been detected with above-normal levels of aflatoxins, the Ministry of Information and Media has revealed.
Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, who issued a comprehensive statement on the status of the matter and the government’s investigations, said that out of the samples so far tested, Pembe’s roller mean number 3, Africa Milling’s roller and breakfast meal, and Super Dog meal by Farm Feed had elevated aflatoxin levels.
Other companies with toxicity levels accepted include Shabco, Continental, Girad, Busu, and Star milling companies.
Kawana said the government had collected samples from all millers and the results will be communicated to the public as soon as it [the government] has them on an ongoing basis.
“Of the samples tested, not all batches were found to be positive and some were negative. So, all batches associated with positive tests have been withdrawn and quarantined,” he stated.
Kawana further explained that while elevated levels of aflatoxin in products intended for human consumption are greatly concerning, the public must know that boiling food destroys over 90% of aflatoxins.
“In Zambia, most of the preparation of foods that are contaminated with aflatoxins require boiling before eating.”
To intervene in the situation, which is greatly concerning to the population, Kawana said the government had immediately instituted several control measures, including identifying the positive batches and informing the affected companies, which have fully cooperated with the authorities.
Seizure notices have been issued to the companies to withdraw all affected batches from the market.
“All affected batches of maize grain, dog food, and maize meal have been recalled from the market and quarantined to safeguard consumers. All these quarantined batches will be destroyed.”
He also said sampling had been extended to other parts of the country to ensure comprehensive monitoring and control to prevent further contamination of the food supply chain.
Farmers and millers are also being educated and made aware of proper storage and processing to prevent aflatoxin contamination.
He disclosed that the government started investigating possible aflatoxin contamination in June after a public alert prompted by the sudden death of dogs. “The Ministry of Health through its disease surveillance and intelligence wing, the Zambia National Public Health Institute, convened a multisectoral one health team of experts who conducted field investigations and sampling of animal feed, maize grain, and mealie meal.”
Aflatoxins may be present in food products consumed on a daily basis without presenting a health risk but when the acceptable levels are exceeded, the risk to consumers; health occurs. For Zambia, the acceptable range is below 10 parts per billion.
